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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who attempts to punch Peter while Peter is playing the piano?

2. What is missing the night that Miss Newland disappears?

3. As Peter is leaving for York, what does Harriet ask him to deliver to her secretary?

4. Where does Peter take Harriet after he returns from York?

5. Who comes upon Pomfret confessing his love to Harriet?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Harriet go to Miss de Vine's room in Chapter 21?

2. Why does Peter not tell the Warden the name of his suspect?

3. Why is Harriet suspicious of Miss Hillyard at the end of Chapter 18?

4. How does Peter know Padgett?

5. Why does Harriet not return to Shrewsbury as soon as the Warden's maid calls her?

6. Why does Harriet accuse Miss Hillyard of smashing her chess set?

7. What does Peter tell Harriet that he values about her, and why does this surprise her?

8. What causes the Warden to agree to seek professional help in solving the mystery?

9. Describe Peter and Pomfret's first and second meetings.

10. What do the women discuss with Peter over coffee?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point, Peter tells Harriet to write her current mystery about human beings, not just a jigsaw puzzle. Has Dorothy Sayers done that? Support your answer with at least three references to the book.

Essay Topic 2

At various times during the book, different members of the college are under suspicion. Choose two of these members. Explain their possible motives and reasons for them being under suspicion.

Essay Topic 3

There is a violent storm in Chapter 13. Explain the symbolism of the storm in regard to the preceding and proceeding events and the faculty members.

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